History

Since 1913 Longwood Covered Courts has been serving the Boston area tennis community with a standard of care where people of all ages and skill levels can enjoy a variety of activities and amenities aimed at enhancing tennis enjoyment.

Longwood Covered Courts is open seven days a week starting October through April of each year. Conveniently located in Chestnut Hill, members come from all around the Boston metropolitan area to experience where indoor tennis began.

Covered Courts Club Champions

In 1914, Nathaniel W. Niles won the very first Club Championship at the Covered Courts. He was one of the best players at the club and in New England. Nathaniel played for Harvard and won several US championships. He was alos an Olympic figure skater.

Richard Norris Williams won the Covered Courts Club Championships 1915-17 and retired the trophy after winning it 3 years in a row. He also played for Harvard and was one of the best players at the club and in New England. Richard Norris Williams was a Titanic survivor. When he was rescued, the doctor said he would have to amputate his legs. Mr. Niles apparently replied that “No, I am a tennis player and need my legs”. Instead, he woke up every hour and walked around to keep the blood flow going in his legs. The year after he won the equivalent to the US Open.

The Casino Cup

In 1923 the Longwood Covered Courts competed against the Brooklyn Heights Casino. Matches were played at Longwood Covered.

The US Women’s Indoor Championship

In 1966, Billie Jean King won the Indoors US Championships at the Longwood Covered Courts. The draw sheet is still inside our building as a testament to tennis history, to women’s tennis and in particular to Billie Jean King. Swedish player Ingrid Lofdahl played in the tournament. Once Ingrid decided to turn pro in her early twenties, this tournament at the Covered Courts was her very first as a pro.